Book IV. The Odes of Yung

I

The Po Chou; allusive. Protest of a widow against being urged to marry again.

1In the mid Ho that cypress boat floats free, While friends a second marriage press on me. I see my husband's youthful forehead there, And on it the twin tufts of falling hair. Rather than wed again I'll die, I swear! O mother dear, O Heaven supreme, why should You not allow my vow, and aid my purpose good?

2Near to the bank that cypress boat floats free, While friends a second marriage press on me. He was my only one, with forehead fair, And on it the twin tufts of falling hair. Till death to shun the evil thing I swear! O mother dear, O Heaven supreme, why should You not allow my vow, and aid my purpose good?